13 July 1940

Dear Dad:

Not much opportunity to write these days so I must lose no opportunity.

I have had no news from home for months, so I don't know how you are all getting along, but I hope for the best. The flying hours in my log book are mounting up and I haven't lost a day through ill health since the war started.

P.S. The only time I walked back was when I brushed up against a German AA gun.

How is Jean looking these days? She must be growing into a swell young lady. Hope to take her dancing after the war.

Often I think how I should like to be home for some real cooking by mother. Quality and quantity was always my aim as regards food. I still fill out the Lieutenant's uniform to the tune of 196 lbs. You can't even see my white hair after a touch of brilliantine!

As I have no doubt told you, I have had five days' leave since Christmas. Of course I should like some more, but we can't have everything.

Only my previous experience has brought me through so far, so I can thank you for that.

I can honestly say that I have done my bit and more and shall continue to do so with every ounce of energy I possess.

Best of love to all the Family

Bill

Page 1 is missing

R.N. AIR STATION,

HATSTON,

KIRKWALL,

ORKNEY.

TELE: KIRKWALL 313

to me.

That is Waterton who I trained with at C.F.S. I believe his father isä in police at Camrose. I never knew him before. He is a flying officer and joined the R.A.F. after hearing you shoot a line about sonny! (Bloody funny!)

Mother mentions a Weatherall boy who was killed in R.A.F. Yes I trained with him at Reading and R.T.S. - nice fellow from B.C.

Keep sending mail to Yeovilton at present. It will then have a better chance of arriving. Sometimes c/o Admiralty gets mucked up.

My Hurricane is really kept spotless - hope I don't get too many holes in it.

The cigarettes keep coming through quite regularly now and boy! are they appreciated. I get very little time to write, but please thank Uncle Ross for me. He sends some quite often. You would be surprised the number we get through standing by.

My six months second line was a good rest, although I nearly flew myself silly. Still, I lived fairly comfortably.

The new income tax is terrific - instead of £.30 a month, I get docked £9 a month to £21 and uniforms £17 a time now. New uniforms now only have gold lace half way around the sleeve! Down south we were allowed two eggs a month, but up here we eat very well.

Had a letter from Aunt Ida, she says that you look very fit. I do hope you are doing well. I don't want you crawling around on your hands and knees when I get home after the war.

I feel remarkably fit considering I haven't had my teeth into a steak for over ten months - have some for me and tell me the sensation. Willy still weighs 190, so he can't be suffering too much!

Tell Jean she did very well on exams and give my to all the family. I think of them a great deal.

Love Bill